GETTING the LAST WORD

 

October 29, 2024

2 Timothy 3:15-17

“. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Jeremiah 23:29

“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” 




In Monday's devotion, we affirmed that God's Word is sufficient and possesses the highest authority for all aspects of life. "Sola Scriptura" emphasizes that the Bible alone is the trustworthy Word of God and holds supreme authority over every area of our lives that it addresses.We read in 2 Peter 1:19, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

When it comes to the spiritual life, Sola Scriptura means that the Bible, the word of God gets the final word. As Christians, we hold that the Bible is the primary source of wisdom and provides answers to our questions, give us a "roadmap" to abundant living. The Bible tell us that "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

The Bible gives a wide range of pictures of itself—various images to describe what God’s Word is and does.

• God’s Word is a seed that he plants.

• Scripture is rain that soaks in and nourishes,

• It is something sweet and delightful to eat, and

• God's Word gives light and understanding.

• The Bible is a sword that penetrates and makes sharp distinctions.

• God’s Word is also a fire and a hammer to deal with what is cold and hard.

Don't you find that there are moments when we need the gentleness of a soft rain. Likewise, there are moments when we require a hammer to shatter our cold, hardened spirits. 

As those who follow Jesus, we place the Word of God above our traditions, cultures, emotions, desires, and personal views. Embracing the Bible, as we do, we acknowledge its God-breathed authority with joy, dedicating ourselves to its reading, meditation, and study. This deepens our understanding of God and guides us in embodying the principles of His Kingdom.

This teaching from the Reformation period, "Sola Scriptura" is crucial, as it encourages us to return to the Scriptures over and over for wisdom and insight on life's matters. The Bible instructs us in the knowledge of God and aids in our self-understanding.(Who we Are) The Scriptures direct us in living a full life that is pleasing and glorifying to God.

Life, wisdom, and love are all encompassed within God's Word, everything from hammers to honey!!

LET US PRAY

Lord, I am grateful for your guidance. Thank you for the tools and blessings you provide through your Word. Assist me in remaining attentive, that I might embrace the abundant life you promise. Amen.